With Parker now in the draft pool, the Sixers -- if they land a top pick -- could have a choice between Parker, Andrew Wiggins of Kansas, and Wiggins' (former) teammate, Joel Embiid.

Of the three, Parker seemed to be the player most on the fence. In a statement declaring his decision to go to the NBA, the likely top-three pick said it came down to two factors:

"Which environment -- college or the NBA -- offers me the best opportunity to grow as a basketball player?" said Parker in a statement. "Which environment -- college or the NBA -- offers me the best opportunity to grow and develop off the court? The answer to both questions is undeniably the NBA."

Parker, 6-foot-8, 235 pounds, declaring for the draft is great news for the Sixers. First, it allows them to potentially draft Parker, who averaged 19.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in his only season at Duke.

Second, it softens the blow of the Sixers not landing the top pick. Had Parker not declared, the pressure to land Wiggins would have intensified. Now, if the Sixers slip to No. 3, there is a chance they could still end up with a potentially elite wingman in Parker.

The debate about which player will be better -- Wiggins or Parker -- will likely go on right up until the draft. For now tho, Sixers' fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing Parker is there for the taking.